A New England Christmas

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The Christmas Story

St. Luke Chapter 2

1. And it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all of the world should be taxed.

2. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

3. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

4. And Joseph also went up From Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called the Bethlehem; because he was of the lineage of David;

5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the Inn.

8. And there were in the same country Shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

10. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.

12. And this show be a sign unto to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger

13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14. Glory to God in the highest and on earth piece, good will toward man.

15. And it came to pass, as the Angels were gone away from them into heaven, the Shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.

16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.

17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad this saying which was told them concerning this child.

18. And all that they heard it wondered at those things, which were, told them by the Shepherds.

19. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20. And these Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all those things that they had heard to and seen, as it was told unto them.

Stories of Christmas

The Story of St Nicholas

History of Christmas Tree

Christmas in America

Our New England Christmas xtree3.gif (7107 bytes)

This is my favorite time of the year. Christmas for us is not just a day but a season. I decorate our living room on Dec. 1 with my collection of Santa's (still adding to them)
The crèche of Olivewood that I picked in Bethlehem, Homemade macaroni trees and various Knick-knacks, and Advent calendars. I have really tried to keep Christmas from becoming too commercial.

Memories of Christmas Past santreal.gif (7628 bytes)

A trip to Boston to spend Christmas with my grandparents is one of my fondest memories. Going with my grandfather to Beacon Hill to sing Christmas carols.

Going to church with Grandpa

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A big lunch with all the cousins.

At night my grandfather would enter the kitchen for his annual visit and make his scrambled eggs for all.

My grandmother would sit with me and tell tales of our ancestors.

Every year the highlight of Christmas was the unveiling of the clothes my mother and my two Aunts made for each other. Every piece had to be tried on and there was much conversation about how much trouble they went to and "This would be the last year" until next Christmas, of course we went through it all over again.

We would occasionally spent a Christmas with our other Grandmother. It was fun but I would have to get dressed up and I was afraid to touch anything as she was an antiques expert and her home was full of many lovely antiques. I didn't think so at the time but later I came to appreciate the treasures we were around.

Christmas Present

Marriage means combining traditions. I was very lucky as Pete and I shared many of the same.

As the children were growing up it was BREAKFAST BEFORE PRESENTS! Including the years we were in Hawaii where you had to go through the living room to get to the dining room, so everyone led by Pete and Myself at the end of the line marched with their eyes closed to the dining room, ate breakfast and then presents.

I have a tree trimming party where everyone brings their friends.

On Christmas, we gather for Brunch,

We have Macadamia nuts and Kona coffee to remind us of Hawaii, chocolate torte and the barley sugar lollypops.

Each year, I try to make something for all the children,Two years ago I put the Jackson recipes on laminated cards in a Recipe Box. Last year it was a collection of their father's papers and pictures in a Scrapbook. God bless computers.
This year we'll see

My granddaughter makes candles and trinkets to give. This year I have asked her to write something.

The grandchildren selecting the angel for the tree top

Christmas Future

My hope is that I have modernized Christmas to keep up with changing times but at the same time instilled enough feeling of tradition that my children will pass along to their children. Only time will tell. In our family, that last statement is known as a guilt trip.

Below are a few of the recipes we enjoy and we are happy to share them with anyone who would like them

Our Christmas Menus xmani15.gif (4825 bytes)

Tree Trimming
a buffet for friends and family

Smoked Salmon	Cold Shrimp on Red Cabbage
Smoke and Bacon - French Onion and Spinach Spreads	Vegetable Spinach Dip with Vegetables
Roast Beef - Cucumber/Onion -	Watercress/Cream Cheese
Sliced Chicken/Curry Sandwiches	Egg Salad Sandwiches
Meatballs -	Onion Things
Crab cakes	Stuffed Clams
Hot Croque Madame	Tortes
Nuts -	Christmas Lollypops
Sarah's Birthday Cake	Red Wine - White Wine